Pressurized Fluid Circuit Breaker Radial Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety circuit breakers for pressurized fluid handling installations, such as those used for filling motor vehicle tanks with hydrogen or methane, are complex, bulky, and require specialized tools for operation, making them difficult to use and expensive due to their intricate design and high part count.
Innovation Solution
A simplified circuit breaker design featuring a male and female element with radial passages and a deformable elastic ring that automatically locks and unlocks through radial and centrifugal deformation, allowing for intuitive operation under high pressures without the need for specialized tools, and is more compact and cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional circuit breaker with multiple locking balls and a large spring is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking balls into a single locking element that can engage with multiple notches on the male element. This single element performs the function of multiple separate locking balls, reducing the number of parts while maintaining reliable locking. The elastic ring integrates the spring function and the locking element function into a unified component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The single locking element serves multiple functions: it acts as a locking mechanism, a positioning element, and a sealing support. The elastic ring simultaneously provides the spring force, guides the locking element, and supports the sealing gaskets. This multi-functionality reduces the overall part count while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a traditional circuit breaker with complex assembly and dedicated tools is used, then the locking mechanism is robust, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker is designed to be self-actuating during connection and disconnection. The elastic ring automatically pushes the locking element into the notches during assembly, and the high-pressure fluid automatically pushes the locking element out during disconnection. No external tools or complex manual operations are required, making the device easy to operate while maintaining robust locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static, tool-required system to a dynamic, self-actuating system. The locking element moves automatically in response to assembly forces and fluid pressure, enabling intuitive operation without specialized tools while maintaining reliable locking engagement.
3Reliability
If a circuit breaker with many parts is used, then the functional requirements are met, but the manufacturing cost and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into fewer integrated parts. The elastic ring combines the spring function with the locking element support and guidance. The single locking element replaces multiple separate locking balls. The female element integrates the body, sealing support, and locking mechanism housing into one piece. This consolidation reduces the number of parts from dozens to just a few key components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each remaining component is designed to perform multiple functions. The elastic ring provides spring force, guides the locking element, and supports sealing gaskets. The female element serves as the structural body, the locking mechanism housing, and the mounting structure for radial passages. This multi-functionality reduces part count while meeting all functional requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables easy and reliable operation of pressurized fluid handling installations by providing automatic locking and unlocking of the circuit breaker, maintaining seal integrity under high pressures, and reducing the risk of accidental venting or pipe alteration during vehicle movement.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic return ring mounted on the female body and surrounding the locking members. This ring is configured to elastically return the locking members to their first radial position in the coupled configuration and to be deformed radially and elastically by the locking members during their movement from their first radial position to their second radial position
Implementation Method 2
a first sealing gasket and a second sealing gasket, arranged along the insertion axis on either side of the first and second radial passages, cooperate radially with the male and female bodies, respectively
Data Source
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AI summary
This circuit breaker (10) for a pressurized fluid handling installation comprises a male element (100) and a female element (200) intended to fit into each other. The male element comprises a male body (102) defining a first internal conduit (104) and provided with a closing element for the front end of the first conduit, along the connection axis of at least one first radial passage (116), a movable valve (118) and a locking notch formed on the male body.The female element comprises a female body (202) defining a second internal conduit (204A) and provided with at least one second radial passage (256), a movable valve (218), and several locking members (242) movable transversely to the mounting axis, between a first radial position, for axial locking of the male and female bodies in the coupled configuration, and a second radial position where the locking members release the passage of the male body (102) into the female body (202). In the coupled configuration, the radial passages (116, 256) are in communication, while seals (266, 268) cooperate radially with the male and female bodies (102, 202), respectively. A spring return ring (246) is mounted on the female body (202) and surrounds the locking members (242).This ring elastically returns the locking members to their first radial position in coupled configuration and is deformed radially, and elastically, by the locking members during their movement from their first radial position to their second radial position.